Welcome to the Piano World Piano ForumsOver 2 million posts about pianos, digital pianos, and all types of keyboard instruments
Join the World's Largest Community of Piano Lovers
(it's free)
It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!

Oops. forgot something regarding the 'coiled cable'. If you are using coiled cable headphones, just remember that you may possibly end up supporting all that coiled cable weight dangling from one ear. This may bother you. It may not.

I got the straight (non coiled) cable so when I play my digital piano only about 3 feet of cable is supported by one headphone cup with the remaining 8 feet just lying (and supported) by the floor. Also, with a coiled cable, you may experience a slight 'tug' when using the headphones if you walk away from your headphone source more than a very short distance. This really is no big deal but the weak spot in the ATH-M50s is that the cable is NOT replaceable so I'm not looking for a way to stress out the cable connection by tugging on a coiled cable or having constant unsupported weight hanging from it.

After tugging the life out of several cords I adopted the routine of removing headphones when I move away from the source.

I have been able to use my older model of Sennheisers for 20 years in part because I eliminated a few things like falling asleep wearing them (lying down listening to music with headphones this is tough), keeping them on when moving away from the source, not playing them too loud, etc. It also helps if you hang the cord over your back rather than dangling forward to prevent snagging them on things like a chair arm or the instrument (guitar with or without strap more so than keyboards). The weight of a coiled cord has seemed to work against its benefits.

I got the straight (non coiled) cable so when I play my digital piano only about 3 feet of cable is supported by one headphone cup with the remaining 8 feet just lying (and supported) by the floor. Also, with a coiled cable, you may experience a slight 'tug' when using the headphones if you walk away from your headphone source more than a very short distance. This really is no big deal but the weak spot in the ATH-M50s is that the cable is NOT replaceable so I'm not looking for a way to stress out the cable connection by tugging on a coiled cable or having constant unsupported weight hanging from it.

I got the straight cable also. Because it was cheaper when I was making the purchase.

I got my M50s coming next week...can't wait! Anyway, I thought I will 'coil' the cable myself, just to roll it up enough so the weight is still supported on the floor but also out the way, and gonna use a velcro tie or something to hold the coil together.

Congratulations you guys. I just received my new headphones yesterday and they sound INCREDIBLE! Of course, with all the hype and anticipation two sea shells held together with a coat hanger bent over my head would probably have sounded good! (Placebo effect). haha.

Anyway, this thread was originally about choosing a 'compatible' set of headphones for the power source that is driving it. This is where OHMs/impedance comes in. Since I've discussed this to death already, I'm going to go back to the headphone discussion since I'm really stoked with these new phones. Here are some of my thoughts so far...

Sound Quality: As stated, the Audio Technica ATH-M50s ('s' stands for straight cord) are simply AMAZING. Why?, because they give a very full and flat linear response (currently, UN-broken in) across the entire range. I suspect that the bass response will increase a bit after they are properly broken in but right now the response across the board is very accurate and un-colored. I can see that these may be just oh so slightly bass colored since they are so neutral (but very responsive) right now.

When using these new headphones on my $5000 digital piano (Roland KR-7), it made me realize that Roland put $4,999 into the piano and the rest into the speakers! Sadly, I'm not entirely kidding.

When using the digital with the headphones on, besides the obvious of no one being able to hear me play late at night, the sound reproduction vs the DP built in speakers is literally night and day. So far apart that it is not even fair to compare them as they are just too different. Think of it as comparing being in the front row of your favorite artists live concert as opposed to listening to the same song being pumped into an elevator. It's just not the same.

I am hearing all kinds of new sounds in my music (like fingers squeaking down guitar strings, throat clearing by the singer, piano hammer action clicking) and much much more.

While 'open' headphones sound excellent and some say better than the 'closed' type as they may provide a larger sound stage....meaning an open and 'airy' sound. Many reviewers have said that these particular pair of closed cans sound very good and I agree.

I personally like the closed headphones for two reasons:

1.) The reason I'm wearing headphones in the first place is that I don't want others to hear me or be bothered by the sound.

2.) I want to listen to my music at night when I can't sleep without disturbing my wife. Note to self; significantly lower the backlit brightness level on the Sansa Clip Zip screen display as it will light up the room at night.

I am now listening to near audiophile quality sound with just my $34 Sansa Clip Zip (currently on sale at Best Buy) along with my $100-ish pair of studio monitor headphones. Seriously, for under $150 bucks, I am really listening to some great quality and sounding stuff.

My only concern is that if you get a pair of headphones with a straight cable, you DO have a LOT of cord to deal with. It's not a problem though as I've decided to simply clip the cord using a small alligator type clip to my shirt. This way, NO amount of cord is being supported by one ear cup and the excess just sits neatly on the floor.

You guys that just purchased a good pair of cans are going to be so happy when you finally hear them. My advice to you is to get some really good music ready so when they arrive you will be ready to audition them with great sounding stuff since you're probably going to be up all night playing with them anyway!

Also, don't forget that the bass takes some time to fully wear in which is why your new cans will sound neutral (UN-colored, as in NO enhancements anywhere) until a few weeks go by. Lots of people like this somewhat neutral sound as it represents the music accurately without any added musical MSG! Personally, I like just a tiny bit of added color in the bass but ONLY at very low volume levels as it seems to make the music sound just a bit warmer.

I am especially excited for you guys that are getting high quality headphones for the very first time as you are going to notice such an incredible difference in your music. These kinds of 'huge' differences don't come around often and when they do, you usually have a bittersweet reaction to them. That being elated with your new purchase (the high), but then there is also the feeling of buyers remorse, (the low), since after your new purchase you are usually broke...(buzzkill !)

This is one of those rare situations in which you are not only very happy with your purchase, but everyone is happy because peace is restored in the family once again, and you still have enough cash leftover to take everyone out to dinner at Outback steakhous. Yummy.

I know you are James. I am too. I was listening last night to several different genres of music. Everything from xX 'Intro' to Manheim Steamrollers Fresh Aire series. The subtle hidden sounds are just so cool to hear. Sometimes I hear entire extended melodies that were originally played so soft I never knew they were there. It's kind of an extra bonus you get once you pony up for some real cans.

I particularly love live soul albums recorded in intimate venues - for example Curtis Mayfield and Donny Hathaway (1971 and 1972 respectively, I believe...). When wearing noise cancelling headphones, I can close my eyes and imagine I'm in the audience - those recordings are drenched with atmosphere!

Those with Sennheiser headphones, can other people hear what you are playing clearly? In other words, If I put a pair of those on to play in the midnight, does it distract my family? Thanks in advance.

Those with Sennheiser headphones, can other people hear what you are playing clearly? In other words, If I put a pair of those on to play in the midnight, does it distract my family? Thanks in advance.

For open headphones in general it depends almost entirely on your volume level. At my normal listening level you can't hear them unless you're within a couple feet of them. If I've turned it up to enjoy a specific song then you can probably recognize the song from across the room.

Those with Sennheiser headphones, can other people hear what you are playing clearly? In other words, If I put a pair of those on to play in the midnight, does it distract my family? Thanks in advance.

Not even close. I'm not sure why people talk about sound leaking out. I have played piano with my wife sitting right next to me in silence and she couldn't hear it. You'd have to REALLY crank the volume in order for people to hear what you are playing in any meaningful sense. I mean, the volume would have to be at ear-shattering levels.

I think the idea of open headphones leaking out comes from people who have basically deafened themselves and are listening to booming pop music beats at unreasonable levels on subways. When playing digital piano, the clicking or thumping of the keys is at least an order of magnitude louder to a third party in the room than sounds from an pair of open headphones are.

The concern with open headphones is not sound leaking out, but sound leaking in. The whirr of your computer fan, the thumping of your piano action, your air conditioner, horns honking outside, people talking in the next room. All these things are clearly audible while you have a pair of open headphones on.

Those with Sennheiser headphones, can other people hear what you are playing clearly? In other words, If I put a pair of those on to play in the midnight, does it distract my family? Thanks in advance.

Not even close. I'm not sure why people talk about sound leaking out. I have played piano with my wife sitting right next to me in silence and she couldn't hear it. You'd have to REALLY crank the volume in order for people to hear what you are playing in any meaningful sense. I mean, the volume would have to be at ear-shattering levels.

I think the idea of open headphones leaking out comes from people who have basically deafened themselves and are listening to booming pop music beats at unreasonable levels on subways. When playing digital piano, the clicking or thumping of the keys is at least an order of magnitude louder to a third party in the room than sounds from an pair of open headphones are.

The concern with open headphones is not sound leaking out, but sound leaking in. The whirr of your computer fan, the thumping of your piano action, your air conditioner, horns honking outside, people talking in the next room. All these things are clearly audible while you have a pair of open headphones on.

If disturbing my wife at night with my music was not a problem, I may have gone with a different headphone; maybe not.

Kenboi brought up a very good point which is basically the concept of 'noise cancellation'. Remember what I said about Mrs Hunky snoring just a tad at night? Well, the 'tad' part is certainly subjective! Without going into detail,....I NEED noise cancelling headphones in order to escape into my own private world underneath the bedsheets at night. 'I' won't be able to jump into that empty front row seat listening to Mark Knopfler play his new tune 'Hard Shoulder' if at the same time I'm hearing the cat scream because his food has not been 'refreshed' in the last hour. Or the AC/heat comes on, tolilet gets flushed, on and on. You know what I mean.

I did listen to a pair of Sennheiser HD-650 cans and must admit they DID sound incredible. Not flat, but still incredible.

While the sound emitted from them was not much..i.e you probably would NOT wake up others in the house, they DO emit enough sound for the person sleeping next to you to clearly hear. 'Clearly hear' means that they could easily tell you the name and artist of the song being played even if it is not 'loud' at all. Just something to consider.

Again, I think the 'noise cancelling' effect has a much higher weighted value in your decision to buy open or closed cans than the amount of sound that leaks out does. Good point Kenboi2.

BTW, since we are still discussing headphones, in my research I had found that a lot of people like the Koss Porta-Pro headphones if you are looking for something portable (jogging, gym use, bike riding, whatever) but not as bulky as over the ear cans but something better sounding (or comfort) than shoving ear buds in your head. I wasn't looking for this type of 'portable' headphone so I can't give any personal feedback but this specific pair seemed to come up a lot as highly recommended if you want a pair of 'on the ear' phones.

Mr Super-Hunky, well said. Now, I am very confused of whether I should buy the close headphone or open headphone.

I have a question regarding Sennheiser HD600 300ohms. If I use these on Kawai CA95, do you think I need a headphone amp to power the 300ohms? I am thinking of buying either the HD598 or HD600. Someone with experience, please chime in. Thanks.

I have the HD595, which is essentially the HD598 and it's pretty dang great (both are easily driven by your piano at 50 ohms). I also have the ATHM50, which I like very much as well. The latter is very good at insulating me from ambient sounds, so I use it at work to block out my coworker noise and listen to some nice music. The sennheiser, with its open design, has superior sound, though, so that's what I use with my piano. It would be nice if you could get that nice a sound from a pair of closed headphones, but I kind of suspect you can't.

By the way, the HD595 is much, much more comfortable than the ATH for long listening sessions. Actually it's the most comfortable headphone I have ever used. I could literally have it on my head all day long and it wouldn't bother me. They both sound good, though, and I do get annoyed with room noises when I use my Sennheisers--I like to turn my volume down so I'm assured of no hearing damage--so I would not fault anyone for going the closed headphone route. I just don't do it myself.

Kenboi2, if you are looking for that perfect 'all-around' pair of headphones to be used with several different instruments/devices, my best suggestion would be to make a list of when and where you would be using these cans and see which ones meet that need.

Since 'noise cancellation' (both ways) was one of my criteria, that cancelled out the category of 'open' cans right away. If this wasn't important, I probably would have gone with the Sennheiser HD-600 or HD-650. Keep in mind the 650s are $500 cans. That's FIVE times the price of the ATH-M50s.

The M50s seem to be the blue jean basic staple of audiophile quality headphones. They only get better, and more expensive from there. From what I've read, you CAN notice subtle changes in the music reproduction but you're gonna pay to hear it.

At some point you need to call it just to keep things realistic. $100 ATH-M50s headphones can easily become $300 Senn HD-600. But if you want a little extra bass and highs, $500 will get you the nice Senn 650s. Then again, just a bit more will get you into the 800 series and so on. Just keep thingsCompatible. Compatible with your equipment. Compatible with your living situation. Compatible with your wallet.

You may also want to consider a 'semi-open' design (which officially doesn't exist) like the Beyerdynamics DT-880 (250 OHMs). These cans may be considered to be the compromise between both the open and closed design even though they are officially considered open. They are also only 2-3 times the price of the M50s instead of five.

The middle OHM category (250/300 OHMs) will sound good with all equipment (MP3 players/devices, digital pianos, home stereo). The volume levels may not be as loud when using the lower powered stuff (portable devices) but will still sound very good. Since it is much easier for lower powered equipment to power headphones with less resistance like the 30 OHM category, they will do just that. Power them easier which will equate to louder volume levels and possibly a little fuller bass response. I think the only way to really screw up is to be completely incompatible like buying a pair of 600 OHM headphones powered by an MP3 player with no amp. Even under this situation, the music would still probably sound pretty good but be seriously lacking the power needed to present the music to the listener at its fullest potential.

Portable devices = 30-ish OHM category. (30-50)

Digital Pianos = Both 30 and 300 OHM category (30-300)

Home stereo/amp = 600 OHM category (30-600)

You will see that the home stereo/dedicated amp can play anything since they have plenty of power to do so. Portable devices on the other hand usually don't have the power to drive demanding 600 OHM cans to there fullest without extra power (amp).

Mr Super-Hunky, well said. Now, I am very confused of whether I should buy the close headphone or open headphone.

I have a question regarding Sennheiser HD600 300ohms. If I use these on Kawai CA95, do you think I need a headphone amp to power the 300ohms? I am thinking of buying either the HD598 or HD600. Someone with experience, please chime in. Thanks.

Assuming the CA95 has a similar headphone output as my MP10 then the HD600s are fine on them without an amp (I used them a number of times when I brought them home from work).

Oh, and since another comment mentioned it, the HD650 isn't necessarily better than the 600. The 600 is more neutral and the 650 was purposefully tuned to be slightly more 'enjoyable' (whatever that means) with a bit of bass emphasis. Personally I opted for the cheaper one that is also more accurate, but whatever sounds good to you

And on the budget end, you're right, the Koss PortaPros are excellent. The Koss KSC75s also have a strong following.

Thank you so much for the input. My budget is tight at the moment. If HD600 is not much of a difference from the HD598, then why would I spend another $200 for it? I think I would go with something that I can afford and I think HD598 would suit me for now. If nothing comes up between around the same price range, I'll be getthing the HD598. I really want to see how the open headphone is like.